Finding The Right Pieces

As of yesterday, the aforementioned signing of free agent Chone Figgins is official. The team is excited, Chone is excited, and you should all be too. For more on what Chone brings to the team, refer to the previous post.

However, it does not appear that the Mariners have given up resigning Adrian Beltre just yet. Jack Zduriencik met with Beltre's agent, Scott Boras, last night to see what options may exist for bring Beltre back. Many have started to speculate that resigning Beltre would move Figgins to either the void in leftfield, or second base. The latter could see Jose Lopez sent away in a trade.

Meanwhile, the M's continue to be tied to many available free agents, both high and low profile, as they are left with many holes to fill. Who will play firstbase? Leftfield? Catcher? Starting Pitcher?

The M's still seem to be in negotiations with Russell Branyan, but have yet to finalize anything. The issue still appears to be the length of the contract with Branyan wanting more than the single year deal that the Zduriencik is offering. Otherwise, the Mariners have had their eyes on Nick Johnson, a firstbaseman that finished out last year with the Florida Marlins. Johnson has been rather injury prone, but I'm sure Zdurencik likes that this guy has a lifetime on-base percentage of .402.

Leftfield could be filled by Figgins if a deal is struck with Beltre, but meanwhile, the Mariners have been exploring other options. Jason Bay remains the high profile candidate, but there are still many other teams after him. A more recent rumor is that the Mariners may be looking to bring back Mike Cameron. Cameron still has a bit of pop in his bat, averaging at least 20 homers over the past decade. He's also a great fielder with 3 gold gloves (2001, 2003, & 2006), which follows the Mariners and Don Wakamatsu's philosophy of having a strong defense. However, he does strikeout a lot, having reached the top 10 in that category every year for the last decade and he's no spring chicken as he turns 37 in January of next year.

Catching-wise, the Mariners plan to use Rob Johnson and Adam Moore to some extent, but Johnson will be coming off a series of post-season hip surgeries and Moore has very limited experience in both the Major and Minor leagues. While Johnson will probably catch every start for Felix Hernandez, (health issues willing), due to the harmony created between the two last season, it is not certain whether or not Johnson will become a clear starter or if the Mariners will opt to sign a veteran free agent to platoon and help give Adam Moore some guidance. Many of the free agent catchers have been signed, include Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, Henry Blanco, and Greg Zaun. Ryan Doumit from the Pirates or former Mariner, Miguel Olivio may be options, but nothing substantial has been reported.

As far as starting pitchers it sounds as if the division rival Texas Rangers will sign Rich Harden. The Mariners have expressed interest in Darren Oliver and Kelvim Escobar, both currently on the Angels roster. If helathy, both players could make formidable starters behind Felix Hernandez. Also, Bedard may not be quite gone as the front office has had mutterings about a possible resigning.

That's all for now, got to clock back in.